The Most Historic US Soccer Sites: What’s #2?

byThe YankonJanuary 10, 2009

Giants Stadium, located in the Meadowlands of East Rutherford, New Jersey, is without a doubt one of the most historic US soccer sites ever. Not because it is the current home of the New York Red Bulls, but because it served as the home of the New York Cosmos from 1977 until 1984.

The Cosmos were arguably the most popular team in the history of American Soccer. They won six straight division titles at Giants Stadium, and their attendance numbers were staggering by today’s standards. It was also the site of incomparable soccer legend Pele’s last game in 1977.

With a capacity of over 80,000, Giants Stadium took over four years and $70 million to construct. Its size has made it ideal for international tournaments, including the 1994 and 1999 World Cups. Giants Stadium is also the current home of the NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants.

Giants Stadium will be demolished in early 2010 to make way for a new, fancier stadium with more luxury boxes. After it is razed, we will no longer be able to visit the site of many of US soccer’s greatest wins, including the 2005 Gold Cup victory. It’s a shame, but it still belongs at #2 on this list.